For the City Times

AMHERST — Shawano County farmer John Bushman directed a $2,500 grant to Camp HOPE as part of America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund.

As part of their mission, Camp HOPE will use the funds to support their 2018 Camp HOPE weekends. Each weekend consists of a fun camp experience for children who have experienced the death of a close loved one. Children from all over the state come to Camp HOPE to be with other children who know what it’s like to lose someone they love.

(Contributed Photo)

There is a magic that happens when campers meet other young people who know how they feel and understand that they are not alone. Over 90% of Camp HOPE volunteer staff have experienced the death of a close loved one. Donations are essential in providing a place for grieving children to go to have fun and build friendships with other children who know how grief can feel. Camp HOPE was founded in 1989 and has always been free to all families.

“Life is hard enough after a tragic death. We want families to come to camp and not have to worry about any financial requirement,” said Mariah Singer-Brown, Camp HOPE Director. “Donations like this from John Bushman, through Monsanto, will help us ensure that we can continue to help families for years to come.”

Many of the Camp HOPE campers come from both rural and larger communities throughout  Wisconsin where they may not have access to the resources and supports they need to process their grief. By attending Camp HOPE, campers are able to spend time and share with other children they may not otherwise get to meet. This is a group of the population that is not always easy to spot in a crowd or gather together, but by offering services to the entire state, Camp HOPE invites children with similar experiences together to connect.

(Contributed Photo)

Each year, the Monsanto Fund awards more than $3 million to non-profit communities throughout rural America.

“Farmers play a pivotal role in rural communities, and through their commitment to the Grow Communities program, we are able to provide the monetary support these nonprofit organizations need to make an impact,” said Al Mitchell, Monsanto Fund president. “We’re proud to play a part in helping these rural communities grow and thrive.” 

• Each year, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program partners with local farmers to provide $2,500 grants to local nonprofits of their choice.

• Camp HOPE is a non-profit weekend camp for children and families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

About Camp HOPE

Camp HOPE was founded in 1989 by Becky and Marty Loy after the death of their daughter, Sara, at childbirth. Over the 29 years of Camp HOPE’s existence, the healing weekend has been experienced by over 4,400 children from all over the state of Wisconsin. Many of these previous campers have come back to help volunteer and give back to children and families in need.

Camp HOPE rents the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, Wisconsin for each camp weekend. If you would like more information about Camp HOPE, please visit www.camphopeforkids.org or email [email protected].